Total Class Creative is clearing out the warehouse and has this amazing offer for you. We are discontinuing the Kids Collections and they are available for FREE! No limit on quantities, while supplies last.

Saturday February 25th from 10:00-12:00 One day Only! Lehi, Utah

Be sure to tell all your family and friends and bring your car to load them up for all those cute little kids in your life. All that is required is that you agree not use these items for resale. Your help in moving these items out will save us the time to do so ourselves.

Email Anna at anna@totalclasscreative.com to schedule a pick up time and for details of where to pick up your items. If you don’t live in the TCC area we can ship these items to you for a $25.00 handling fee + shipping.

To follow Anna through this journey read Part 1 of Set a Goal. Don’t Quit. Just do it! Click here.

On Saturday, September 24, 2011 I accomplished my goal to reach the Peak of Mount Timpanogos!

My first attempt to climb to the Peak of Mount Timpanogos was when I was 18 years old. I had just graduated from high school and was now attending summer school at Brigham Young University. I had joined in with a group to make this hike. However, I ended my hike in the meadow at Emerald Lake just a few hours below the Peak because I did not want to slide down the glacier and was afraid and embarrassed to admit that to the group, and so I remained at the lake with a few others who also did not make the final climb.

When the others came down from the peak and expressed how amazing the view was I was disappointed that I had let my fears of the glacier hold me back from experiencing the rewards of the being on top of the peak. I set a goal that someday I would make this climb again. I wanted to make it to the peak and see that view that I had missed that day, and also finish something that I had started.

It didn’t take long for those 37 years to pass me by. I would see this mountain in the valley that I lived in everyday and kept reminding myself that I needed to get the goal completed. So on September 24, 2011, I set out to accomplish my 37 year old goal. Hiking to the peak of Mount Timpanogos Utah 11,749′.

We started the hike at 5:45 am, It was dark and the air was very chilly. When I looked up into the sky the stars and the moon where so bright and clear, a most incredible view it sent chills through me. I was excited to get started. I would begin my climb with four amazing people who I had just recently met, Jim, Sarah, Kristen and Edward.

This was one of the most amazing, and rewarding experiences of my life and I am excited to share some of the things I learned from it.

The longer you wait to accomplish your goal, the harder, it will be. Don’t let too much time pass you by. Set your timeline and stay on target to complete your goal. I faced many physical challenges at 54+ that I didn’t have at 18. However I also learned that it is never too late! Don’t ever let those things get in the way of stopping you. Be patient, stay focused, hold on to your goal, never lose site of it and you’ll get there.

Less than two hours into the hike, I was starting to feel the challenges but I had to stay positive and not focus on how far we still had to go.

Don’t let the challenges and negative thoughts come into your mind, ever. It will drain the energy that you need to keep moving. Stay positive.

Appreciate the beauty of all that’s around you. Express gratitude.

When we took those moments to rest and to appreciate the beauty, God’s creations lifted us up and gave us new wings to keep climbing and it also put a smile back on our face! The path may be rocky from time to time. Keep moving on.

Take time to recommit yourself to your goal (This is close to the area where I ended my first hike and there would be no stopping me and getting to the peak this time). Stay focused on the final destination, but also set shorter goals in between to get there so you don’t become overwhelmed and discouraged. I found at times if I focused on how far I still had to go I immediately felt the weight of it. So I began to set shorter goals and just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I also appreciated the encouragement of my friends. So surround yourself with positive people who want to see you reach your goal!

Take time to rest and to enjoy the views as you get closer to reaching your final goal.

It’s a blessing to be able to share that with others. Always remember that we rarely get there on our own!

So be grateful for the help others give you along the way.

I found it quite interesting that in the final attempt to reach your goal your path may come upon the ”Devils Staircase”. You must stay focused, proceed with caution and carefully place one foot in front of the other. The path may be rocky, steep and a time when you want to quit but just keep on moving. Keep climbing. Keep the faith!

This was the most difficult physical challenge that I have ever taken on. It was so hard for me personally

but words can’t express the feelings you have when you take your last steps up to reach your goal! It’s amazing, humbling and so very rewarding. The path may be difficult and may require all that you’ve got left in you but don’t quit. Never, never, never give up! (Winston Churchill)

Give thanks to those who helped you reach your goal and by all means when you’ve recovered from the journey…Celebrate!!

You can do it!! It may take 37 years to do it but I promise you it will be worth it! Now when I look up at Mount Timpanogos I simply get overwhelmed inside and feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment! This will be an experience that I will never forget and will continue to ponder as I step out to meet other goals I have set.

It took us close to 6 hours to reach the peak. A total of 13.25 hours / 14 miles round trip on the trail.

Entertaining family & friends for the holidays or any special occasion is something I love to do. By the time I prepare, make decorations & plan the food (desserts) it can start to become expensive and I usually go over my budget.

Today I am super super excited to share with you our newest item in our shop!

These sturdy wood trays are resusable! That’s right. There’s no need to glue decorative paper to the tray. Just cut to fit and change for each occasion. Also, when your special occasion is over you can un-slot the pieces and lay flat for storage when not in use. My wallet is thanking me (and my husband too).

I made this Halloween inspired round tiered tray and you can too in a matter of minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:

Googly eyes are an item I have in my craft room that I have a lot of. You can never have too many! I wanted to spook up an ordinary frame and thought what better way to do that then to add a bunch of cute eyes staring back at you.

Today we are making this fun & super easy googly eye frame with a Halloween subway art print from the Whittle Whimsy.

Note: If using tacky glue let dry overnight before use (recommened) or *USE CAUTION* when applying the googly eyes with hot glue. Use a small amount of hot glue. If you use too much glue it can cause a burn*

Right now you can save 15% off any items in the Whittle Whimsy Shop. Just use coupon code WWFALL15. Good through October 31st, 2011.

We’ve been crafting, picking, painting & carving pumpkins at our place like crazy. I promised my husband I wouldn’t decorate for Halloween until the October 1st and now that its here I can’t wait to set out the decorations my daughter & I made.

I’ve come up with the perfect kids fall craft. I’m always looking for an easy kids craft to make with my daughter that is super quick.

Just by adding a few embellishments to ordinary paper plates turns them into fun Halloween decor- friendly pumpkin paper plates.

Halloween will be here before we know it and all the fun festivities will soon begin. I came across this poem and it made me giggle inside. It reminds me how much I love Halloween. Anyone else?

When witches go riding, and black cats are seen

the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween.

Today we’ll be making this super easy festive black cat napkin holder. This is a spooktacular project to make and all your guests will eeek with excitement! Great craft for the kids to make too! When you are all done entertaining you can unslot and its easy to store for next year.